Blackjack Counting Introduction 3

Question 1

What does it mean when a card counter has a 'positive running count'?

Accepted Answer

More low cards than high cards have been played

Answer

A positive running count means more low cards have been removed, leaving a relatively high-card-rich deck favorable to the player.

Question 2

In the Hi-Lo counting system, what value is assigned to cards 2 through 6?

Accepted Answer

+1

Answer

In Hi-Lo, cards 2–6 are assigned +1 because their removal from the deck is unfavorable to the player.

Question 3

In the Hi-Lo system, what count value is assigned to 10-value cards and aces?

Accepted Answer

-1

Answer

High cards (10s and aces) receive -1 because their removal from the shoe hurts the player's advantage.

Question 4

Is card counting illegal in the United States?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not illegal but casinos may ban players

Answer

Card counting is not illegal, but casinos are private property and may ban or back off players they suspect of counting.

Question 5

What term describes the strategy adjustment card counters make based on the current count?

Accepted Answer

Index play

Answer

Index plays (or strategy deviations) are departures from basic strategy made when the count reaches specific thresholds.

Blackjack Counting Practice Test